Question

Consider the geography of the Iberian Peninsula. How would an invading army most likely have to invade Spain?
A.
Spain most likely would be invaded by sea because the Pyrenees physically isolates Spain from the rest of Europe.
B.
Spain most likely would be invaded by land because the boot-shaped peninsula gives Spain a rugged coastline.
C.
Spain most likely would be invaded by land because the cliffs of the fjords are far too steep and rocky to be scaled.
D.
Spain most likely would be invaded by both land and sea because the Strait of Gibraltar provides sand bar access to Spain from Morocco during low tide.

Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

A

Answer 1

A is the best choice of the four, but with a caveat.

Why A is best here: the Pyrenees form a significant natural barrier between Iberia and the rest of continental Europe, so sea approaches around the peninsula have historically been important for invasions and raids.

Why the others are wrong:
- B is wrong: “boot-shaped” describes Italy, not Spain, and a rugged coastline doesn’t make land invasion impossible.
- C is wrong: Spain does not have fjords like Norway, so that reasoning is irrelevant.
- D is wrong: there is no sand bar across the Strait of Gibraltar—crossings require boats, even though the strait is narrow.

In reality both land (via passes through the Pyrenees) and sea invasions are possible; A is the best answer among the choices given.